Dunnes, the Irish department store chain, has closed all its Scottish shops and its second-last remaining store in England, effectively leaving the British market amid concerns of rising costs after Brexit.

While UK shopping mall giants Hammerson and Intu are accelerating towards their planned merger, the plans could be impacted by the arrival of Klepierre, with reports emerging that it made a bid for Hammerson this month.

​It was tough in 2017. Who says so? One of Britain’s most successful retailers, that’s who. John Lewis Partnership saw its profits falling over 20% in the face of a competitive environment, but fashion outperformed.